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business law

France has its own legal and court systems, which may differ from other legal systems, while also bearing similar features with other EU countries. Companies doing business in France are therefore well-advised to understand and comply with the specific legal requirements and court procedures in order to minimize legal and financial risks.

Our firm provides you with in-depth expertise in French commercial law and offers skilled guidance in litigation at all levels – from the initial consultation to the final decision.

We regularly share our knowledge through presentations at seminars and work closely with colleagues in cross-border cases to prepare and conduct pitches. Combining up-to-date legal expertise with practical experience enables to deliver a clear and convincing communication on complex legal topics – both at professional events and in meetings.

Examples of our activities:

• Lecture at the DACH Lawyers’ Association, Seminar in March 2025, Topic: ESG Corporate Governance with regard to the Implementation of the CSRD-EU Directive
• Pitch preparation in cooperation with specialist lawyers and a Swiss commercial law firm to advise a Zurich-based bank

1- In France, attorney fees and expenses are invoiced according to an agreement with the client. There is no statutory or table-based fee, for instance based on the amount in dispute.

Depending on the case, the fees can be billed in the following ways:

• Based on time spent, at an agreed hourly rate, or
• As a flat fee covering all services provided, which may be increased under certain conditions.
• Additionally, a so-called “success fee” may be agreed upon. This fee is a percentage of the gains obtained through your attorney’s work.

When determining the fee, the following criteria are taken into account:

• The complexity of the matter,
• The nature of the tasks to be performed,
• The time required to handle the case.

Costs incurred by the firm in performing their services are billed together with the fee. These costs mainly include travel expenses and the fees or charges of other service providers (local lawyer, bailiffs, commercial register, etc.). They are passed on to the client at cost price, with supporting documentation attached.

The firm reserves the right to request an advance on fees and costs.

2- In proceedings before French courts, each party bears its own legal fees, even if it prevails. Legal fees in France are not considered reimbursable fees or procedural costs.

At the request of the parties, the courts often grant a “costs indemnity” to the winning party, to be paid by the losing party/ies. However, the amount seldom covers the costs actually incurred by the party in respect of legal fees.

This principle — where each party bears its own attorney fees — can be mitigated in debt collection matters between business entities thanks to the European Union law.

Legal fees and costs may be covered by legal expenses insurance. It is essential to verify and confirm coverage under such insurance before initiating any proceedings (whether judicial or otherwise). If you have subscribed a legal expenses policy, you remain free to work with an attorney of your choice; the insurer cannot impose a practicioner on you.

3- In the event of a dispute over the amount of fees, the President of the Paris Bar Association is competent to render an initial decision. An appeal may be filed against that decision, in which case the determination of the fees will fall under the jurisdiction of the Paris Court of Appeal.

Insurance:
The firm has professional liability insurance providing coverage of up to €4 million per claim. If the client believes that this amount is insufficient, it is his responsibility to inform the firm, which may then arrange additional insurance. It is hereby agreed that that by entrusting a mandate to the firm the client waives any claim for damages exceeding the insurance coverage limit.